WWI - liberals decided to join Allies in 1915, many socialists opposed the war, M was for it, thought would elevate Italy, fell out w/ socialists at this point, humiliating defeats blamed on govt., Prime Minister felt humiliated by terms of treaty at end of WWI, betrayal of Italy. Govt. seemed unpatriotic, M could learn to exploit all those dissatisfactions
Had been promises of land reform, economic growth and Great Power status instead debt, inflation --> massive discontent, can see why people wanted order in 1922
Catholics founded new party, Populari, popes had been saying no politics but were now worried about socialism. In 1921, the liberal leader made a deal w/ the very small fascist party. M began to emerge as the vital leader, essential to the Fascist grouping, not hesitating to use violence.
Socialism was atheistic, Church thought fascism would be good for Itay
peasants set off for war w/ bad equipment, no colonies, less land than expected, debts, massive blow to self-esteem, liberal govt. weak and unpopular, 'mutilated peace'
Italians longed for new beginning, became divided between those who feared a revolution and those who thought M could prevent it